Walk for Suicide Prevention, Awareness Set for April 24

Members of the SUNY Plattsburgh community will walk to raise suicide awareness and funds for its prevention April 24 at the Out of the Darkness Walk.

Registration starts at 10 a.m. The walk is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will begin and end in Amite Plaza. 

Senior Kaitlyn Kessler has participated in the walk for the past four years, helping to coordinate the event for three of them.

Kessler said she is passionate about suicide prevention because of the alarming suicide rate among the country’s veteran population.

Her father served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years.

“Although he has never personally struggled with depression or thoughts of suicide, many members of our armed forces and our veterans do,” Kessler said.

“More than just service members and veterans are affected by suicide, however, and it is my hope that all voices can be heard at this event.”

At the event, speakers will share their stories of loss and healing.

Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority has partnered with the nonprofit American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to host the walk on campus.